Oral care compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to oral care compositions, and more specifically to oral care compositions suitable for cleaning the oral cavity. Methods of use are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to oral care compositions, andmore specifically to oral care compositions suitable for cleaning theoral cavity. Methods of use are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oral hygiene compositions fall into two main categories: dentifrices,and mouthwashes or rinses. Dentifrices generally contain an insolubledentally acceptable abrasive which is utilized to physically cleanse thesurface of the teeth. Dentifrices are generally provided in the form ofsolid or pasty preparations which can be readily applied to atoothbrush, for example, powders, pastes or viscous gels.

Known mouthwash or mouth rinse compositions usually are solutionscontaining small amounts of colorings, flavorings and antibacterial orother active ingredients. These solutions have found use asbreath-freshening, anti-cavity, antiseptic and/or anti-plaque mouthrinses, or gargle preparations and are commonly used in addition toconventional tooth cleansing dentifrices.

While mouth rinses and abrasive dentifrices have been produced asseparate products for many years, a satisfactory form of combinedproduct is desired in which an effective amount of abrasive ismaintained in an acceptable stable suspension having a sufficiently lowviscosity that the preparation can be swished between and around teeth.

There remains, therefore, a need for oral compositions, combining thebenefits of both a toothpaste and a mouthwash.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compositionshaving the following physical properties:

-   -   a tan delta of less than 1 (or about 1) at frequencies of 0.1 to        100, optionally 0.1, rads⁻¹,    -   a first (or pourability) viscosity of less than 2000 (or        about 2000) centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹, and    -   a second (or swishability) viscosity of less than 1000 (or        about 1000) centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹.

In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to gel or liquidgel dentifrices having the following physical properties:

-   -   a tan delta of less than 1 (or about 1) at frequencies of 0.1 to        100, optionally 0.1, rads⁻¹,    -   a first (or pourability) viscosity of less than 2000 (or        about 2000) centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹, and    -   a second (or swishability) viscosity of less than 1000 (or        about 1000) centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹.

In other embodiments, the present invention relates to swishable liquidgel dentifrice compositions which, after swishing in the mouth, provideadequate foaming even after a portion, substantial portion or the bulkof the dentifrice is expelled, swallowed or otherwise removed from themouth, generating the foam from the coating of the composition retainedon the teeth tongue or other oral surfaces of the mouth aftercomposition is removed.

Alternatively, the present invention relates to a gel or liquid gelmouth rinse that provides a toothpaste-like sensation after a portion,substantial portion or the bulk of the gel or liquid gel mouth rinse isexpelled, swallowed or otherwise removed from the mouth.

In still other embodiments, the present invention relates to liquidcompositions comprising:

a) optionally, from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 50% (or about 50%) by weightof a insoluble particulate such as a nonabrasive particle or dentallyacceptable abrasive,

b) optionally, from 0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weightof suspending polymer,

c) from 0.001% (or about 0.001) to about 12% (or about 12%) of asurfactant or surfactant system, and

d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid carrier.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to oral carecompositions comprising:

-   -   a) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 50% (or about 50%) by weight of        a insoluble particulate such as a nonabrasive particle or        dentally acceptable abrasive;    -   b) from 0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weight of        suspending polymer;    -   c) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%) surfactant or        surfactant system; and    -   d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid carrier,    -   wherein said composition has a tan delta of less than 1 (or        about 1) at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads⁻¹ and wherein the        composition is essentially free of bioavailability affecting        compounds.

In other embodiments, the present invention relates to oral carecompositions consisting essentially of:

-   -   a) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 50% (or about 50%) by weight of        a insoluble particulate such as a nonabrasive particle or        dentally acceptable abrasive;    -   b) from 0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weight of        suspending polymer;    -   c) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%) surfactant; and    -   d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid carrier,    -   wherein said composition has a tan delta of less than about 1 at        frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads⁻¹.

In still other embodiments, the present invention relates to oral carecompositions, comprising:

-   -   a) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 50% (or about 50%) by weight of        a insoluble particulate such as a nonabrasive particle or        dentally acceptable abrasive;    -   b) from 0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weight of        polysaccharide gum;    -   c) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%) surfactant; and    -   d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid carrier,    -   wherein said composition has a tan delta of less than 1 (or        about 1) at frequencies of 0.1 to 100, optionally 0.1, rads⁻¹.

In further embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions,comprising:

-   -   a. a surfactant system, comprising:        -   i. at least one nonionic surfactant;        -   ii. at least one anionic surfactant; and        -   iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant,    -   and    -   b. a liquid carrier,    -   optionally, wherein the composition has the following physical        properties:        -   i. a tan delta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to            100 rads⁻¹;        -   ii. a first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise at            a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹; and        -   iii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000 centipoise            at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹,    -   and wherein foams generated by the composition using the foam        generation and screening test described below have a bubble size        distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam having at        least about 30 bubbles having a diameter of less than about 50        microns. and, or alternatively, wherein for each 0.005 grams of        the foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, at least        90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the        bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

In still further embodiments, the present invention relates to methodsof manufacturing a composition comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a surfactant system, comprising:        -   i. at least one nonionic surfactant;        -   ii. at least one anionic surfactant; and        -   iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant,    -   and    -   b. optionally, providing a suspending agent; and    -   c. mixing the surfactant system and, optionally, suspending        agent with a liquid carrier to produce a composition having the        following physical properties:        -   i. a tan delta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to            100 rads⁻¹;        -   ii. a first viscosity of less than about 700 centipoise at a            shear rate of 10 s⁻¹; and        -   iii. a second viscosity of less than about 150 centipoise at            a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹,    -   and wherein foams generated by the composition using the foam        generation and screening test described below have a bubble size        distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam having at        least about 80 bubbles having a diameter of less than about 50        microns and, or alternatively, wherein for each 0.005 grams of        the foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, at least        90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the        bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

In certain other embodiments, the present invention relates tocompositions, comprising:

-   -   a. at least one surfactant or a surfactant system, comprising:        -   i. at least one nonionic surfactant;        -   ii. at least one anionic surfactant; and        -   iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant    -   b. a foam enhancing agent; and    -   c. a liquid carrier,    -   optionally, wherein the composition has the following physical        properties:        -   i. a tan delta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to            100 rads⁻¹;        -   ii. a first viscosity of less than about 700 centipoise at a            shear rate of 10 s⁻¹; and        -   iii. a second viscosity of less than about 150 centipoise at            a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹,    -   and wherein foams generated by the composition using the foam        generation and screening test described below have a bubble size        distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam having at        least about 150 bubbles having a diameter of less than about 50        microns and, or alternatively, wherein for each 0.005 grams of        the foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, at least        90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the        bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

In still further embodiments, the present invention relates to methodsof manufacturing a composition comprising the steps of:

-   -   1. providing at least one surfactant or a surfactant system,        comprising:        -   a. at least one nonionic surfactant;        -   b. at least one anionic surfactant; and        -   c. at least one amphoteric surfactant,        -   and        -   d. optionally, providing a suspending agent; and        -   e. mixing the surfactant system and, optionally, suspending            agent with a liquid carrier to, optionally, produce a            composition having the following physical properties:            -   i. a tan delta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1                to 100 rads⁻¹;            -   ii. a first viscosity of less than about 700 centipoise                at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹; and            -   iii. a second viscosity of less than about 150                centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹,    -   wherein the composition is capable of generating a foam by using        the foam generation and screening test described below where the        foam has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005        grams of foam, at least about 80 bubbles having a diameter of        less than about 50 microns and, or alternatively, wherein for        each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75        mm×1.270 mm, at least 90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally        at least 98% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or        about 50) microns.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method ofgenerating foam in the mouth comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a composition comprising:        -   i. at least one surfactant or a surfactant system;        -   ii. optionally, a suspending agent; and        -   iii. a liquid carrier,    -   wherein the composition is capable of generating a foam by using        the foam generation and screening test described below where the        foam has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005        grams of foam, at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less        than about 50 microns and wherein for each 0.005 grams of the        foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, at least 90% of        the bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns,    -   b. introducing a sufficient quantity of the composition for        swishing in the mouth; and    -   c. swishing the composition in the mouth to generate a foam.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method ofgenerating foam in the mouth comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a composition comprising:        -   i. at least one surfactant or a surfactant system,            comprising;        -   ii. optionally, a suspending agent; and        -   iii. a liquid carrier;    -   wherein the composition is capable of generating a foam by using        the foam generation and screening test described below where the        foam has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005        grams of foam, at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less        than about 50 microns and wherein for each 0.005 grams of the        foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, at least 90% of        the bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns.    -   b. contacting the mucosal and tooth surfaces of the oral cavity        with the composition; and    -   c. brushing the teeth to generate a foam.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a compositioncomprising:

-   -   1. at least one surfactant or a surfactant system, and    -   2. optionally, at least one suspending agent    -   wherein the composition is capable of forming a        -   a. a first liquid phase wherein, at a first moment in time,            the composition has the following physical properties:            -   i. a first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise                at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹; and            -   ii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000                centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹;        -   and        -   b. a second foam phase, when foamed using a foam generation            and screening test, such that a bubble size distribution for            each 0.005 grams of foam is at least about 80 bubbles has a            diameter of less than about 50 microns and a bubble size            distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of the foam            occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm is at least 90% of            the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 microns.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a compositioncomprising:

-   -   1. at least one surfactant or a surfactant system, and    -   2. optionally, at least one suspending agent,    -   wherein the composition has a substantivity such that a        sufficient amount remains in the oral cavity after        expectoration, swallowing or otherwise removing the composition        from the mouth to form a film on at least one tooth and wherein        the composition is capable of forming        -   a. a first liquid phase wherein, at a first moment in time,            the composition has the following physical properties:            -   i. a first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise                at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹; and            -   ii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000                centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹;        -   and        -   b. a second foam phase, when foamed using the foam            generation and screening test described below such that a            bubble size distribution for each 0.005 grams of foam is at            least about 80 bubbles has a diameter of less than about 50            microns and a bubble size distribution such that for each            0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75            mm×1.270 mm is at least 90% of the bubbles have a diameter            of less than 50 microns.

In addition, other embodiments of the present invention relate tomethods of cleaning the oral cavity where an effective amount of theoral care compositions of the present invention are: i) introduced intothe oral cavity (such as by sipping a quantity of the composition), ii)swished around the oral cavity for a sufficient amount of time to coatthe teeth and mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity and iii) a portion,substantial portion or the bulk of the composition being expelled,swallowed or, otherwise removed from the oral cavity. As used herein theterm “bulk of the composition” means that portion of the compositionwhich is not retained by the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity.Optionally, the teeth can be brushed with a toothbrush if so desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The oral care compositions of the present invention can comprise,consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements andlimitations of the invention described herein, as well any of theadditional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations describedherein.

The term “comprising” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein isused in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including” and not in theexclusive sense of “consisting only of” The terms “a” and “the” as usedherein are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular.

All patent documents incorporated herein by reference in their entiretyare only incorporated herein to the extent that they are notinconsistent with this specification.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of thecomposition of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. Allsuch weights as they pertain to the listed ingredients are based on theactive level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products thatmay be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwisespecified.

Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements and tests described hereinare conducted at a temperature of 25° C. (or about 25° C.).

The term “safe and effective amount” as used herein means an amount of acompound or composition such as a topical or system active sufficient tosignificantly induce a positive benefit, for example, an antimicrobialeffect, but low enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e., to provide areasonable benefit to risk ratio, within the scope of sound judgment ofthe skilled artisan.

As used herein the phrase “dentally acceptable” means the compound,substance or device may be administered to or into the oral cavityand/or surfaces of the oral cavity, including the teeth and gums,without substantial harmful effects to the oral cavity and/or itssurfaces.

As used herein the terms “formulation” and “composition” are usedinterchangeably.

All viscosity measurements are obtained using an RFSII rheometer (TAInstruments, New Castle, Del.) with couette geometry.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is a liquid gel dentifricehaving rheological properties such that the liquid gel dentifrice isswishable in the mouth.

The oral care compositions of the present invention, including theessential and optional components thereof, are described in detailhereinafter.

Insoluble Particulate

In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the presentinvention comprise a safe and effective amount of a water insolubleparticulate. The water insoluble particulate can be an abrasive particle(such as a dentally acceptable abrasive) or non-abrasive particulate.

In certain embodiments, dentally acceptable abrasives include, but arenot limited to, water insoluble calcium salts such as calcium carbonate,and various calcium phosphates, alumina, silica, synthetic resins andmixtures thereof. Suitable dentally acceptable abrasives may generallybe defined as those having a radioactive dentine abrasion value (RDA) offrom about 30 to about 250 at the concentrations used in thecompositions of the present invention. In certain embodiments, abrasivesare non-crystalline, hydrated, silica abrasives, particularly in theform of precipitated silica or milled silica gels availablecommercially, for example, under the trade names ZEODENT (J. M. HuberCorporation, Edison, N.J.), and SYLODENT (W.R. Grace & Co., New York,N.Y.), respectively. In certain embodiments, the compositions accordingto the present invention comprise from about 1% to about 20%, or,optionally, from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the abrasive.

Alternatively, the insoluble particulate is a non-abrasive particulatewhich is visible to the unaided eye and stable in the compositions ofthe present invention.

The non-abrasive particulate can be of any size, shape, or color,according to the desired characteristic of the product, so long as it isdistinctively detected as an individual particle by the unaided eye. Thenon-abrasive particulates will typically have the shape of a small roundor substantially round ball or sphere, however, platelet or rod-shapedconfigurations are also contemplated herein. Generally, a non-abrasiveparticulate has an average diameter of from about 50 μm to about 5000μm, optionally from about 100 μm to about 3000 μm, or optionally fromabout 300 μm to about 1000 μm. By the terms “stable” and/or “stability”,it is meant that the abrasive or non-abrasive particulates are notdisintegrated, agglomerated, or separated under normal shelf conditions.In certain embodiments, the terms “stable” and/or “stability” furthermean that the compositions of present invention contain no visible (tothe unaided eye) signs of sedimentation of the insoluble particulatesafter 8 weeks, optionally 26 weeks, optionally 52 weeks, at roomtemperature.

The non-abrasive particulates herein are typically incorporated in thepresent compositions at levels of from about 0.01% to about 25%,optionally, from about 0.01% to about 5%, or optionally, from about0.05% to about 3%, by weight of the composition.

The non-abrasive particulate herein will typically comprise a structuralmaterial and/or, optionally, an encompassed material.

The structural material provides a certain strength to the non-abrasiveparticulates so that they retain their distinctively detectablestructure in the compositions of the present invention under normalshelf conditions. In one embodiment, the structural material further canbe broken and disintegrated with very little shear on the teeth, tongueor oral mucosa upon use.

The non-abrasive particulates can be solid or liquid, filled orun-filled, as long as they are stable in the compositions of the presentinvention. The structural material used for making the non-abrasiveparticulates varies depending on the compatibility with othercomponents, as well as material, if any, to be encompassed in thenon-abrasive particulates. Exemplary materials for making thenon-abrasive particulates herein include: polysaccharide and saccharidederivatives such as crystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, celluloseacetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose nitrate,ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, methyl cellulose, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, gum acacia (gum arabic), agar, agarose,maltodextrin, sodium alginate, calcium alginate, dextran, starch,galactose, glucosamine, cyclodextrin, chitin, amylose, amylopectin,glycogen, laminaran, lichenan, curdlan, inulin, levan, pectin, mannan,xylan, alginic acid, arabic acid, glucommannan, agarose, agaropectin,prophyran, carrageenen, fucoidan, glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid,chondroitin, peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide, guar gum, starch, andstarch derivatives; oligosaccharides such as sucrose, lactose, maltose,uronic acid, muramic acid, cellobiose, isomaltose, planteose,melezitose, gentianose, maltotriose, stachyose, glucoside andpolyglucoside; monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, and mannose;synthetic polymers such as acrylic polymers and copolymers includingpolyacrylamide, poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate), and poly(ethylene-vinylacetate), and carboxyvinyl polymer, polyamide, poly(methyl vinylether-maleic anhydride), poly(adipyl-L-lysine), polycarbonate,polyterephthalamide, polyvinyl acetate phthalate,poly(terephthaloyl-L-lysine), polyarylsulfone, poly(methylmethacrylate),poly(ε-caprolactone), polyvinylpyrrolidone, polydimethylsiloxane,polyoxyethylene, polyester, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid,polyglutamic acid, polylysine, polystyrene, poly(styrene-acrylonitrile),polyimide, and poly(vinyl alcohol); and other material such as fat,fatty acid, fatty alcohol, milk solids, molasses, gelatin, gluten,albumin, shellac, caseinate, bees wax, carnauba wax, spermaceti wax,hydrogenated tallow, glycerol monopalmitate, glycerol dipalmitate,hydrogenated castor oil, glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate,glycerol tristearate, 12-hydroxystearyl alcohol, protein, and proteinderivatives; and mixtures thereof. Components herein may be described inother sections as useful components for the present composition. Incertain embodiments, the components as described in this section formthe structure of the non-abrasive particulates so as to not besubstantially dissolved or dispersed from the particulates and into thecompositions of the present invention under normal shelf conditions.

In other embodiments, the structural material herein comprisescomponents selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides andtheir derivatives, saccharides and their derivatives, oligosaccharides,monosaccharides, and mixtures thereof, or optionally, comprisescomponents are having various degrees of water solubility. In someembodiments, the structural material comprises lactose, cellulose, andhydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Suitable non-abrasive particulates also include organogel particles asdescribed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,683. Non-abrasiveparticulates that are organogel particles typically comprise astructural material selected from poloxamer compounds (i.e.polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer such as Pluronic F-127available from BASF), waxes (e.g., beeswax, paraffin, water-insolublewax, carbon-based wax, silicone wax, microcrystalline wax, etc.),triglycerides, acid triglycerides, polymers, fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylatepolymers and copolymers, acrylate polymers, ethylene/acrylatecopolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene polymers and copolymers, fattyacids, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, fatty acid ethers, fatty acidamides, alkylene polyhydric alcohols, fatty acid amide of analkanolamine, glyceryl monostearate, (aryl-substituted) sugars, dibenzylsorbitol (or mannitoal, rabbitol, etc.), condensates and precondensatesof lower monohydric alcohols, trihydroic alcohols, lower polyglycols,propylene/ethylene polycondensates, and the like. Optionally, structuralmaterial for non-abrasive particulates that are organogel particlesinclude beeswax, carnauba wax, low molecular weight ethylenehomopolymers (e.g. Polywax 500, Polywax 1000, or Polywax 2000polyethylene materials available from Baker Petrolite Corp.), orparaffin wax.

The non-abrasive particulates herein may encompass, contain, or befilled with an encompassed material. Such encompassed material can bewater soluble or water insoluble. Suitable encompassed materials includebenefit agents as described herein such as: oral care actives, vitamins,pigments, dyes, antimicrobial agents, chelating agents, opticalbrighteners, flavors, perfumes, humectants, and mixtures thereof. Theencompassed materials herein are substantially retained within thenon-abrasive particulates, and are substantially not dissolved from theparticulates and into the compositions of the present composition undernormal shelf conditions.

Particularly useful commercially available non-abrasive particulatesherein are those with tradenames Unisphere and Unicerin available fromInduchem AG (Switzerland), and Confetti Dermal Essentials available fromUnited-Guardian Inc. (NY, USA). Unisphere and Unicerin particles aremade of microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose,vitamins, pigments, and proteins. Upon use, the Unisphere and Unicerinparticles can be disintegrated with very little shear and withpractically no resistance, and readily disperse in the compositions ofthe present invention.

Suitable non-abrasive particulates for incorporation in the presentcompositions are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,683(organogel particles); U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,813 (rupturable beads); U.S.2004/0047822 A1 (visible capsules); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,815(capsulated or particulated oily substances), each of which patentdocuments are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In certain embodiments, the abrasive and/or nonabrasive particles have adensity different or, optionally, substantially different from thecarrier in which these particles are formulated.

Suspending Agent

In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions according to thepresent invention also contain at least one suspending agent suitablefor maintaining solid particles (such as abrasives) in a substantiallystable suspension during storage without over-thickening thecomposition.

In certain embodiments, the suspending agents comprise, consistessentially of or consist of organic suspending agents. In more specificembodiments, the suspending agents comprise, consist essentially of orconsist of water-soluble suspending agents such as polysaccharide gums.In embodiments where the suspending agents consist essentially of orconsist of organic suspending agents and/or water soluble suspendingagents, the suspending agent is free of compounds which tend to or mightaffect the bioavailability of actives such as oral care activesincorporated in compositions with the suspending agent.

In certain embodiments, suitable suspending agents includepolysaccharide gums, or optionally specific, anionic gums, such asgellan and xanthan, available commercially for example under the tradenames, respectively, KELCOGEL and KELTROL (CP Kelco U.S., Inc. Atlanta,Ga.), and mixtures thereof. In specific embodiments the xanthan gum hasthe following specifications:

Particle Size As measured using Tyler Standard Screen Scale −80 mesh(180 μm) ≧95% through Loss on Drying ≦15.0% Solution pH −1% gum indeionized water from 6.0 to 8.0 Transmittance −1% gum in deionized water(600 nm) ≧85% Pyruvic Acid ≧1.5% Assay from 91.0% to 108.0% xanthan gumAsh from 6.5% to 16.0% Heavy Metals ≦10.0 mg/kg (ppm) Lead ≦2.0 mg/kg(ppm) Arsenic ≦2.0 mg/kg (ppm) Mercury ≦1.0 mg/kg (ppm) Cadmium ≦1.0mg/kg (ppm) Isopropyl Alcohol ≦500 mg/kg (ppm) Cellulase Activity <0.02Absorbance Units (AU) Bacteria* −48 hours ≦100 cfu/g  −5 days ≦500 cfu/gFungal (Yeast and Mold) Count ≦100 cfu/g Coliform Negative by MostProbable Number (MPN) Escherichia coli Not present in 25 g Salmonellaspp. Not present in 25 g Staphylococcus aureus Not present in 1.0 gPseudomonas aeruginosa Not present in 1.0 g *Total viable mesophilicaerobic countXanthan gums falling within the scope of such specifications include,but are not limited to, Keltrol CG-T (CP Kelco).

In alternative embodiments, the suspending agent is gellan gum. Gellangum(s) suitable for use herein is/are described in detail in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,326,052 to Kang et al.; 4,326,053 to Kang et al.; 4,377,636 toKang et al., 4,385,123 to Kang et al.; 4,377,636 to Baird et al.;4,385,123 to Baird et al.; 4,563,366 to Baird et al.; 4,503,084 to Bairdet al.; 5,190,927 to Chang. et al.; and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2003/0100078to Harding et al., each of which patent documents are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety. In specific embodiments,the gellan gum is high acyl gellan gum. Suitable high acyl gellan gumsare described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,996 to Sworn et al. andU.S. Pat. Pub. No. US20050266138 to Yuan et al., both of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Suitable suspending agents also include microcrystalline cellulose or amixture of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium.Microcrystalline cellulose and mixtures of microcrystalline celluloseand carboxymethylcellulose sodium (hereinafter MCC/CMC) are availablefrom FMC Corporation (Philadelphia, Pa.) under the trade name Avicel®.In certain embodiments, such mixtures have a ratio of microcrystallinecellulose to carboxymethylcellulose sodium of from about 20:1 to about1:1, optionally from about 15:1 to about 3:1, or optionally, from about10:1 to about 5:1.

In specific embodiments, microcrystalline cellulose andcarboxymethylcellulose sodium is Avicel CL-611 (85% microcrystallinecellulose with 70% colloidal content, co-processed with 15% lowviscosity carboxymethyl cellulose). Other useful colloidal MCC/CMCsinclude, but not limited to, Avicel PC-611 (85% microcrystallinecellulose with 70% colloidal content, co-processed with 15% lowviscosity carboxymethyl cellulose), Avicel® RC 581 (89% microcrystallinecellulose with 70% colloidal content, co-processed with 11% mediumviscosity carboxymethyl cellulose); Avicel® RC 591 (88% microcrystallinecellulose with 70% colloidal content, co-processed with 12%, 50/50medium/low viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose); and Avicel® RC 501 (91%microcrystalline cellulose with 70% colloidal content, co-processed with9% medium viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose). Mixtures of the aboveMCC/CMC mixtures may also be used.

Also useful as the suspending polymer are chemically modified clay(s).The term “chemically modified clays” as used herein means that the clayshave been chemically modified either during their formation or aftertheir formation such that the clays have no or substantially no affinityfor fluoride ions and/or other oral care actives so as to reduce thebioavailability such ions or actives when used in combination. Suitablechemically modified clays include, but are not limited to, fluoride ionmodified magnesium silicate clays such as Laponite DF (RockwoodAdditives Limited, Cheshire, U.K.); tetrapotassiumpyrophosphate/tetrasodium pyrophosphate modified magnesium aluminumsilicate clays such as Veegum D (R.T. Vanderbilt, Norwalk, Conn.) andmixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the suspending agent is a mixture of 1) xanthangum with 2) a microcrystalline cellulose; a MCM/CMC mixture; mixtures ofthe microcrystalline cellulose and MCM/CMC; or mixtures of the variousMCM/CMC mixtures.

In specific embodiments, the ratio of 1) the xanthan gum to 2) themicrocrystalline cellulose; MCM/CMC mixture; mixtures of themicrocrystalline cellulose and MCM/CMC; or mixtures of the variousMCM/CMC mixtures is from 0.5:1 (or about 0.5:1) to 25:1 (or about 25:1),optionally, from 1:1 (or about 1:1) to 20:1 (or about 20:1), optionallyfrom 1:1 (or about 1:1) to 10:1 (or about 10:1).

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present inventioncomprise from about 0.01 to about 5%, optionally from about 0.05% toabout 3%, optionally from about 0.05% to about 1%, or optionally fromabout 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition of a suspendingagent.

Surfactant System

In certain embodiments, surfactants, which are surface active agents,are incorporated into the compositions of the present invention to aidwetting, to improve the cleansing capability of the compositions, toproduce a cosmetically acceptable foam in use, to solubilize flavoringoils when present and to improve the extent and quality of foamingproduced by the oral compositions of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the present invention incorporates a surfactantsystem to provide adequate foam generation and/or consistency. In theseembodiments, the surfactant system is capable of providing adequate foamgeneration and/or consistency even after a portion, substantial portionor the bulk of the composition of the present invention is expectorated,swallowed or otherwise removed from the oral cavity, the form beinggenerated from the remaining film of the composition on the teeth,tongue or other oral or mucosal surfaces of the mouth. In otherembodiments, the surfactant system of the present invention comprises acombination of amphoteric, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants.

Surfactants suitable for use in the surfactant system are those that arereasonably stable and generate appropriate foam throughout a wide pHrange. In certain embodiments, the surfactant is a combination ofanionic, nonionic, amphoteric surfactants. Anionic surfactants usefulherein include, but are not limited to, sarcosine type surfactants orsarcosinates; taurates such as sodium methyl cocoyl taurate; alkylsulfates such as sodium trideceth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate;sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; sodium lauroyl isethionate; sodium laurethcarboxylate; sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof. Manysuitable anionic surfactants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,458,to Agricola, et al., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Nonionic surfactants which can be used in the compositions of thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, compounds produced bythe condensation of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) withan organic hydrophobic compound which may be aliphatic or alkyl-aromaticin nature. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, but arenot limited to, alkyl polyglucosides; block copolymers such as ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide copolymers e.g. Poloxamers; ethoxylatedhydrogenated castor oils available commercially for example under thetrade name CRODURET (Croda Inc., Edison, N.J.), and/or ethoxylatedsorbitan esters such as PEG-80 sorbitan laurate or those availablecommercially for example under the trade name TWEEN (Croda, Edison,N.J.); fatty alcohol ethoxylates; polyethylene oxide condensates ofalkyl phenols; products derived from the condensation of ethylene oxidewith the reaction product of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine;ethylene oxide condensates of aliphatic alcohols; long chain tertiaryamine oxides; long chain tertiary phosphine oxides; long chain dialkylsulfoxides; and mixtures thereof.

The amphoteric surfactants useful in the present invention include, butare not limited to, derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiaryamines in which the aliphatic radical can be a straight chain orbranched and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains fromabout 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionicwater-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate,phosphate, or phosphonate. Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactantsinclude, but are not limited alkylimino-diproprionates,alkylamphoglycinates (mono or di), alkylamphoproprionates (mono or di),alkylamphoacetates (mono or di), N-alkyl β-aminoproprionic acids,alkylpolyamino carboxylates, phosphorylated imidazolines, alkylbetaines, alkylamido betaines, alkylamidopropyl betaines, alkylsultaines, alkylamido sultaines, and mixtures thereof. In certainembodiments, the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of alkylamidopropyl betaines, amphoacetates such as sodiumlauroamphoacetate and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of any of the abovementioned surfactants can also be employed. A more detailed discussionof anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants can be found in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,087,650 to Lennon; 7,084,104 to Martin et al.; 5,190,747 toSekiguchi et al.; and 4,051,234, Gieske, et al., each of which patentsare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, it may also be possible to include cationicsurfactants. Suitable cationic surfactants include, but are not limitedto, cetyl trimethylammonium chloride (CTAB), hexadecyltrimethylammoniumbromide (HDTAB), stearyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, lauryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, cetyl dimethylethylammonium halide,cetyl dimethylbenzylammonium halide, cetyl trimethylammonium halide,dodecyl ethyldimethylammonium halide, lauryl trimethylammonium halide,coconut alkyltrimethylammonium halide, andN,N—C₈₋₂₀-dialkyldimethylammonium halide. Other suitable compounds forthe cationic surfactant include bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethylammonium chloride which is known to adsorb onto the surface withhydrophobic groups oriented away from it,2-hydroxydodecyl-2-hydroxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride andN-octadecyl-N,N′,N′-tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-diaminopropanedihydrofluoride.

In specific embodiments, the surfactant system of the present inventioncomprises a combination of alkyl sarcosines, alkyl polyglucosides, andalkylamidopropyl betaine surfactants.

In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant is an alkyl sarcosine whichtypically has an alkyl group containing from 10 to 24, optionally from12 to 20, optionally 15 to 18 carbon atoms. Salts can be readily formedby reacting the alkyl sarcosines with an appropriate base, such assodium, potassium, ammonium hydroxide, monoethanol amine, diethanolamine or triethanol amine. Some representative examples of sodium alkylsarcosines which can be used include sodium lauroyl sarcosinates, sodiumcocoyl sarcosinates, sodium myristol sarcosinates sodium oleoylsarcosinates sodium stearyl sarcosinates and similar sarcosinates. Inspecific embodiments, the oral care compositions of the presentinvention incorporate sodium lauroyl sarcosinate as the sarcosinesurfactant. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is commercially available fromChattem Chemicals, Inc. as Hamposyl® L-30.

In some other embodiments, the nonionic surfactant is an alkylpolyglucosides nonionic surfactant. In specific embodiments, the presentinvention incorporates long chain alkyl polyglucosides. Suitable longchain alkyl polyglucosides include condensation products of (a) a longchain alcohol containing from 6 to 22, optionally from 8 to 14 carbonatoms, with (b) glucose or a glucose-containing polymer. The alkylpolyglucosides have about 1 to about 6 glucose residues per molecule ofalkyl glucoside. Suitable alkyl polyglucosides include, but are notlimited to, coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside. Inother specific embodiments, the oral care compositions of the presentinvention incorporate lauryl glucoside as the alkyl polyglucosides.Lauryl glucoside is commercially available from Cognis Corp. asPlantaren 1200 N UP.

In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant is an alkylamidopropylbetaine as represented by the following structural formula

wherein R¹ is a long chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 18, optionallyfrom 10 to about 16 carbon atoms. In specific embodiments, thealkylamidopropyl betaine incorporated into the oral care compositions ofthe present invention is cocamidopropyl betaine.

In certain embodiments, the anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactantsare incorporated into the surfactant system at a ratio of from 80:10:10(or about 80:10:10) to 20:40:40 (or about 20:40:40), optionally 60:20:20(or about 60:20:20) to 40:30:30 (or about 40:30:30), or optionally50:25:25 (or about 50:25:25).

The surfactants or surfactant systems are present at a level of from0.001% (or about 0.001%) to 12% (or about 12%), optionally from 0.01%(or about 0.01%) to 8% (or about 8%), optionally from 0.1% (or about0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%), or optionally from 0.2% (or about 0.2%) to2.5% (or about 2.5%) by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the surfactant systems or surfactant(s) areincorporated into the compositions of the present invention and screenedusing a specific foam generation and screening test.

Foam Generation and Screening Test

The foam generation and screening test used to characterize the foams ofthe present invention comprises the steps of diluting a compositioncomprising the surfactant systems or surfactant(s) of the presentinvention with an artificial saliva solution comprising:

Sodium Chloride 1.2236 gm Potassium Chloride 1.215 gm Calcium Chloride0.3178 gm Potassium Phosphate Monobasic 2.7532 gm Potassium PhosphateDibasic 3.5053 gm Deionized Water 2000 mlsuch that the mixture comprises 80% of the surfactant containingcomposition and 20% of the artificial saliva solution, the mixture isthen blended for 10 seconds using a Oster 14-speed blender (model number6855) on the easy clean speed setting (speed setting No. 1).

A 0.005 gram sample of the foam from the surface of the mixture insidethe blender was removed using a spatula.

The 0.005 gram foam sample was placed on a 25 mm×75 mm glass slidehaving two 0.634 mm PET spacers positioned on each corner of the slide.A second slide was placed onto the first slide and spaced by the PETspacers ensuring that there was a monolayer of foam between the twoslides.

The slide was mounted on the Olympus optical microscope (model BX-51with Discover Details 5 Image Analysis software stage), adjusting themicroscope to reflectance mode and capturing the image using the 5×objective and then analyzed.

Foams generated from compositions incorporating the surfactant(s) orsurfactant systems of the present invention and using the foamgeneration and screening test described herein have a bubble sizedistribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam, at least 30 (orabout 30), optionally 50 (or about 50), optionally 65 (or about 65),optionally 80 (or about 80), optionally 100 (or about 100), optionally125 (or about 125), optionally 150 (or about 150), optionally 175 (orabout 175), or optionally 200 (or about 200) bubbles have a diameter ofless than 50 (or about 50) microns and additionally, or alternatively,wherein the foams have a bubble size distribution such that for each0.005 grams of foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, at least90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the bubbleshave a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

In alternative embodiments, the above mentioned surfactants areincorporated singly or in various other combinations.

Foam Enhancing Agents

In certain embodiments, the composition of the present inventionincorporates a foam enhancing agent to further increase the number orpercentage of bubbles having a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50)microns in the bubble size distribution generated by the surfactants orsurfactant systems of the present invention.

Suitable foam enhancing agents include, but are not limited to, naturalseaweed extract, natural seed gum, natural plant exudates, natural plantextracts, natural fiber extracts, biosynthetic gums, gelatins,biosynthetic process starch or cellulosic materials, alginates,carrageenans, guar, locust, tara, arabic gum, ghatti gum, agar gum,pectin, other like hydrocolloid source material, salts thereof, ormixtures thereof. Suspending agents mentioned above may also be usefulas foam enhancing agents. In specific embodiments, the foam enhancingagent is selected from the group consisting of alginates, carrageenans,salts thereof or mixtures thereof. In certain other embodiments, thefoam enhancing agent is carrageenan.

The foam enhancing agent(s) are present at a level of from about 0.001%to about 12%, optionally from about 0.01% to about 8%, optionally fromabout 0.1% to about 5%, or optionally from about 0.2 to about 2.5% byweight of the oral care composition.

In some embodiments, when the foam enhancing agents are incorporatedinto the compositions of the present invention with the above-mentionedsurfactant systems or surfactant(s) and screened using the foamgeneration and screening test, the foams generated by the screening testhave a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foamat least 150 (or about 150), optionally 200 (or about 200), optionally225 (or about 225), optionally 250 (or about 250), optionally 275 (orabout 275), optionally 300 (or about 300), optionally 325 (or about325), optionally 350 (or about 350), optionally 375 (or about 375)), oroptionally 400 (or about 400) bubbles have a diameter of less than 50(or about 50) microns and additionally, or alternatively, wherein thefoams generated by the screening test have a bubble size distributionsuch that for each 0.005 grams of foam occupying an area of 25 mm×75mm×1.270 mm, at least 90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least98% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50)microns.

Gas Generating Agents or Materials

In certain embodiments, gas is used to generate foam in the oral cavity.This is specifically useful in embodiments in which the teeth aremanually cleaned with a clean instrument, such as a toothbrush, after aportion, substantial portion or the bulk of the composition has beenremoved (expectorated) from the oral cavity.

Foamable embodiments may include gas-generating materials such as, butlimited to, peroxide generating compounds; alkali metal bicarbonatesalts such as sodium or potassium bicarbonate in combination withorganic acids; compressed air, butane, isopentane, nitrous oxide orcarbon dioxide; volatile hydrocarbons or mixture of volatilehydrocarbons (of typically 3 to 6 carbons in chain length); and mixturesthereof.

Suitable peroxide generating compounds include, but not limited to,peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, calcium peroxide andmixtures thereof; perborates such as sodium perborate, potassiumperborate and mixtures thereof; percarbonates such as sodiumpercarbonate, potassium percarbonate and mixtures thereof; metalchlorites such as calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite,lithium chlorite or sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite and mixturesthereof; peroxyacids such as peroxyacetic acid; and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments gas can be generated by mixing two or more separatedformulations prior (or just prior) to usage such as by combining acidssuch as tartaric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, malicacid, oxalic acid, or sulfamic acid and mixtures thereof with carbonatesalts such as sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,ammonium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calciumbicarbonate and mixtures thereof to produce an effervescent reaction.

In yet another embodiment gas can be generated in-vivo during usage byincorporating gaseous liquids such as carbonated liquids into theproduct during manufacture and/or just prior to usage. In thisembodiment the invention can either be a single formulation or two ormore formulations kept separated from each other and mixed prior (orjust prior) to usage.

In still other embodiments, the compositions of the present inventionare free of or essentially free of gas-generating agents or materials.“Essentially free” as used with respect to gas-generating agents ormaterials is defined as formulations having less than 5% (or about 5%),optionally, 3% (or about 3%), optionally, 1% (or about 1%), optionally,0.01% (or about 0.01%) or zero percent, by weight of the totalcomposition of a gas-generating agent or material.

Rheological Properties

In some embodiments, the oral care compositions or formulations arestable and pourable for rinsing, having rheological properties includingthe ability to suspend particles, pour easily, and be swishable in themouth without negative viscosity build. These formulations also provideadequate substantivity such that the formulation material is retained inmouth, post expectoration (or removal), so that, if toothbrushed, thebrushing experience meets consumer expectations (i.e., adequate foaming,body, mouthfeel etc.) for improving the post rinse and/or brush-sensoryexperience.

Dynamic mechanical rheological properties as a function of frequency andtemperature are useful tools for predicting the overall physicalstability of concentrated colloidal dispersions containing particulates.

By using dynamic rheology, the prediction of physical stability canoften be accomplished in less than three (3) hours. The dynamic oroscillatory rheology technique is performed in two parts. First, astrain sweep test (frequency constant, strain variable) defines thelinear viscoelastic range (LVR). Second, frequency scans (from 0.01 to5.0 Hz) are performed at various temperatures, from 5 to 49° C. (40-120°F.). In certain embodiments, the frequency scans are performed in theLVR. Dynamic rheology measurements yield data on the elastic (G′) andviscous (G″) moduli. Plotting the elastic to viscous moduli ratio as afunction of frequency and temperature generates a plot which is a“fingerprint” of the dispersion's colloidal stability. The G′/G″ ratioscorrelate well with observed physical stability properties. Then Tan(delta) is calculated by the ratio of G″ to G′, or tan (delta)=G″/G′.This represents the viscous fraction to elastic fraction of thesuspension.

In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the presentinvention have a Tan delta of less than 1 (or about 1), optionally lessthan 0.75 (or about 0.75), optionally less than 0.5 (or about 0.5), atfrequencies of between 0.1 to 100 rads⁻¹ as measured by an RFSIIrheometer (TA Instruments, New Castle, Del.) with couette geometry.

“Pourability” of oral care formulations is defined as the capability ofmoving in a continuous flow. The terms “Swishing” “Swishable” or“Swishability of” as they relate to the oral care compositions of thepresent invention mean moving or the ability to move the compositionwith sufficient force to produce a sibilant, or hissing, sound bymovement i) through and/or around the teeth and/or ii) around the oralcavity, where such movement can occur for a period of time withoutnoticeable tiring or fatiguing of the jaw muscles of the user.

Steady state viscosity measurements give information on relevant rangesof viscosities that may provide consumer acceptable pourability andswishability in the mouth. In certain embodiments, the compositions ofthe present invention have a pourability viscosity of less than 2000 (orabout 2000) centipoise, optionally less than 1500 (or about 1500)centipoise, optionally less than 1000 (or about 1000), optionally lessthan 700 (or about 700), optionally less than 500 (or about 500)centipoise, optionally less than 300 (or about 300) centipoise, at ashear rate of 10 s⁻¹. In certain embodiments, the compositions of thepresent invention have a swishability viscosity of less than 1000 (orabout 1000) centipoise, optionally less than 500 (or about 500)centipoise, optionally less than 300 (or about 300), optionally lessthan 150 (or about 150), optionally less than 100 (or about 100)centipoise, optionally less than 50 (or about 50) centipoise at a shearrate of 100 s⁻¹.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention areshear thinning Shear thinning is an effect where viscosity decreaseswith increasing rate of shear stress. Materials that exhibit shearthinning are called pseudoplastic.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the oral carecompositions as herein described are used regularly, from 1 to 4,optionally from 2 to 3, times daily, in place of a conventionaldentifrice. A typical usage involves introducing a safe and effectiveamount or quantity (for example, at least 1 [or about 1], optionally, atleast 5 [or about 5], optionally, at least 10 [or about 10], optionally,at least 15 [or about 15], optionally, at least 20 [or about 20]milliliters) of the oral care composition into the oral cavity, swishingthe composition around the oral cavity and/or through the teeth forsufficient time to coat the teeth, and expelling, swallowing orotherwise removing a portion or substantial portion of the compositionfrom the mouth. The composition is swished around the oral cavity and/orthrough the teeth for at least 10 (or about 10), optionally, at least 20(or about 20), optionally, at least 30 (or about 30), optionally, atleast 50 (or about 50), optionally, at least 75 (or about 75),optionally, at least 100 (or about 100), optionally, at least 120 (orabout 120), times or swishing cycles within a period of at least 1 (orabout 1), optionally, at least 5 (or about 5), optionally, at least 10(or about 10), optionally, at least 15 (or about 15), optionally, atleast 20 (or about 20), optionally, at least 30 (or about 30),optionally, at least 45 (or about 45), optionally, at least 60 (or about60), optionally, at least 90 (or about 90) seconds.

Optionally, the teeth are brushed with a tooth cleaning instrument suchas a toothbrush for a sufficient amount of time to provide desiredcleaning In certain embodiments, it has been found that, uponintroduction and removal of a portion, substantial portion or the bulkof the compositions of the present invention from the oral cavity,sufficient composition remains on the teeth, tongue and/or oral tissuesor mucosa of the mouth to give a satisfactory foaming and abrasiveaction, when optionally used in conjunction with a toothbrush, and toprovide a long-lasting fresh mouth feel after use.

Optional Ingredients

Oral Care Actives

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present inventionfurther contain oral care actives. In certain embodiments, the oral careactives include, but are not limited to, anti-plaque agents, fluorideion sources such as sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate andamine fluorides (providing, for example, about 1-1500 ppm of fluorideion, optionally about 200-1150 ppm of fluoride ion); anti-calculusagents such as water-soluble pyrophosphate salts, optionally, specificalkali metal pyrophosphates; chelating agents; tooth desensitizationagents which reduce tooth sensitivity including potassium salts such aspotassium oxalate, potassium nitrate and potassium chloride (for exampleabout 1% to about 5% by weight) and strontium salts such as strontiumchloride and strontium acetate (for example about 2% to about 10% byweight); tooth whitening agents and vitamins such as vitamin A.

In certain embodiments, suitable anti-plaque and/or anti-gingivitisagents include, but are not limited to, oral care enzymes, non-ionicantibacterial agents such as bromochlorophene and triclosan and cationicagents such as cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine salts, andmixtures thereof. Furthermore, it is known that certain water-insolubleflavoring oils such as anethole, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, thymoland menthol have an antibacterial effect at high concentrations. Incertain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present inventioncomprise from about 0.001% to about 1%, optionally from about 0.01% toabout 0.5% by weight of a non-ionic antibacterial agent. In someembodiments, the water-insoluble anti-tartar agents comprise zinc saltssuch as zinc citrate. In certain embodiments, the compositions of thepresent invention can comprise from about 0.1% to about 1% of awater-insoluble anti-calculus agent.

A more detailed discussion oral care actives useful in the compositionsof the present invention can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,338 toMasters et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,722 to Majeti et al. and U.S. Pat.No. 6,121,315 to Nair et al., both of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

Carriers and Carrier Ingredients

In certain embodiments, the compositions according to the presentinvention may comprise at least about 45%, optionally, at least about60%, optionally, at least about 80% to about 99%, or, optionally, atleast about 80% to about 90% by weight of a liquid carrier, but it willbe understood by those skilled in the art that this proportion dependsto a large extent on the proportion of abrasive incorporated into thecomposition. In certain embodiments, the liquid carrier may be in theform of a solution, emulsion or microemulsion of components and, in someembodiments, contain at least about 5% by weight water, optionally, atleast about 10% by weight water. In certain embodiments, alcohol such asethanol may optionally form part of the liquid carrier, for example,from about 5% to about 35% by weight of the liquid carrier, and, in someembodiments, is particularly useful in oral care compositions having ahigh flavor impact and breath-freshening and/or antiseptic properties.Optionally, the liquid carrier of the present invention is an orallyacceptable liquid carrier. The phrase “orally acceptable” means that thecarrier is suitable for application to the surfaces of the oral cavityor ingestion by a living organism including, but not limited to, mammalsand humans without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability,allergic response, and the like.

In specific embodiments, the compositions of the present invention canbe in the form of mouthrinses, mouthwashes, gels, liquid gels, liquiddentifrices and the like.

In certain embodiments, the liquid carrier contains humectants,substances that promote retention of moisture, to enhance the mouthfeelof the product and to prevent drying out. In some embodiments,humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol andglycols such as propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, and mixturesthereof. In other embodiments, alternatively or in addition to thehumectant, the liquid carrier may contain silicone oils, for example, inan amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In certain clearproduct embodiments, where the refractive index is an importantconsideration, the refractive index of abrasive system can be chosen ormade to match the refractive index of the carrier or solvent system.

In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the presentinvention may contain flavoring agents commonly in the form of oilscommercially available as mouthwash, mouth rinse, and toothpasteflavors. In some embodiments, flavoring agents include, but are notlimited to, peppermint, spearmint, aniseed, menthol, eucalyptus, clove,thymol and wintergreen, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments,high levels of flavoring oils can be incorporated into the oral carecompositions of the present invention by forming an emulsion in theliquid carrier. This is particularly advantageous in certainembodiments, where the compositions are required to have little or noalcohol content but which need to have a high flavor impact.Conventional oral care compositions containing high flavoringconcentrations generally utilize substantial levels of alcohol todissolve the flavoring oils. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, high flavoring content may also be desirable where oral carecompositions contain an unpleasant tasting active ingredient, forexample an agent to reduce tooth sensitivity such as strontium chloride,potassium nitrate and/or potassium oxalate or an anti-tartar agent suchas tetrapotassium pyrophosphate salts. In certain embodiments, the oralcare compositions according to the invention contain from about 0.01% toabout 1.5%, optionally, from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of theflavoring agent.

In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the inventionincorporate colorings, which may be soluble coloring agentsconventionally used in mouthwashes or dentifrices or may be theinsoluble particulates such as color pigments or whitening agents suchas titanium dioxide, pearlizing agents such as mica, or mixturesthereof. Color pigments are generally available in a wider range ofcolors and are less susceptible to fading than soluble coloring agentsand may therefore be used to advantage in the compositions of thepresent invention.

In certain embodiments, the pH of the oral care compositions accordingto the present invention is generally in the range of from about 3.5 toabout 10.0, or optionally, from about 4.0 to 8.0. In other embodiments,if desired, the pH can be controlled with acid, for example citric acid,or base, for example sodium hydroxide, or buffered, for example withcitrate, phosphate, benzoate or bicarbonate buffering salts.

Various other materials may optionally be incorporated into certainembodiments of the compositions of the present invention which will bewell known to those skilled in the art. These include, for example, atleast one of sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame; preservativessuch as sodium benzoate and parabens. In certain embodiments, theseoptional additives may together comprise from about 0.01% to about 10%,optionally, from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention arefree of or essentially free of bioavailability affecting compounds. Asused herein, “bioavailability affecting compound”, means compounds thatnegatively affect the bioavailability of any incorporated oral careactives such as by binding the oral care actives or inactivating theoral care actives. “Essentially free” as used with respect tobioavailability affecting compounds is defined as formulations havingless than 5% (or about 5%), optionally, 3% (or about 3%), optionally, 1%(or about 1%), or optionally, 0.01% (or about 0.01%), by weight of thetotal composition of a bioavailability affecting compound. In certainembodiments, the bioavailability affecting compound can include, but isnot limited to, chemically unmodified clays, water soluble calciumsalts, water soluble magnesium salts, water soluble aluminum salts,carbonate salts and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the oralcare compositions of the present invention are free of or essentiallyfree of chemically unmodified clays.

In certain embodiments, the compositions according to the invention maybe shaken prior to use or, alternatively, provide stable suspensionsduring use without being shaken prior to use.

In other embodiments, the compositions according to the presentinvention are pourable, pleasant tasting suspensions which remainphysically stable after storage, or in still further embodiments, afterlong-term storage, for example, for over 3 months at ambienttemperatures and in particular have suitable sedimentation times, forexample, greater than 3 (or about 3), 6 (or about 6), 12 (or about 12),or 24 (or about 24) months.

In certain embodiments, a further advantage of the oral carecompositions according to the present invention relates to their ease ofmanufacture compared to the manufacture of conventional dentifrices suchas toothpastes. It is well known in the art that stringent productionmethods are required to obtain a satisfactory toothpaste product, forexample manufacture must be carried out under vacuum to prevent theformation of air bubbles which produce a visually unacceptable productand may lead to oxidation of the flavorings and syneresis (the processby which a liquid is separated from a gel owing to further coagulation)of the product. In contrast, certain embodiments of the oral carecompositions of the present invention are easily formulated bydispersing the abrasive into a mixture of surfactant, suspending agentand liquid carrier, under normal production conditions without the needfor an external vacuum or vacuumed environment.

The oral care compositions according to the invention are illustrated bythe following examples.

EXAMPLES

The oral compositions of the present invention as described in followingexamples illustrate specific embodiments of compositions of the presentinvention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof. Othermodifications can be undertaken by the skilled artisan without departingfrom the spirit and scope of this invention.

Example 1

Oral Care Formulations and Preparation.

A series of liquid gel dentifrices, listed in Tables 1 through 6 below,were formulated.

TABLE 1 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 1-1 1-2 1-3 Ingredient w/w %w/w % w/w % Deionized Water 55.2806 55.2106 55.2406 Citric acid 0.01000.1000 0.1000 Sorbitol 20.0000 20.0000 20.0000 Sodium Saccharin 0.11700.1170 0.1170 High acyl gellan gum 0.1000 0.0500 0.0500 Xanthan gum —0.0300 — Hydrated silica 5.0000 5.0000 5.0000 Ethyl alcohol 18.303018.3030 18.3030 Menthol 0.0323 0.0323 0.0323 Thymol 0.0639 0.0639 0.0639Methyl salicylate 0.0660 0.0660 0.0660 Eucalyptol 0.0922 0.0922 0.0922Flavor 0.0850 0.0850 0.0850 Polaxamer 407 0.2500 0.2500 0.2500 Sodiumlauryl sulfate 0.6000 0.6000 0.6000 TOTAL 100.0000 100.0000 100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 1 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, using a first suitable beaker (herein afterreferring to it as the main beaker), a quantity of deionized water wasadded to the main beaker, the citric acid was sprinkled in and mixeduntil it dissolved. A Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (SilversonMachines Inc., East Longmeadow, Mass.) was used to disperse the gums.Once the gums were dispersed, the mixture was switched to Caframo mixer(Caframo Limited, Wiarton, Ontario, Canada), and stirring continuedwhile the mixture was heated to about 85° C. The batch was held at about85° C. for about 5 minutes. The mixture was cooled and sorbitol andsaccharin were added at about 50° C. and mixed until homogeneous.Hydrated silica was added and the batch was mixed until the batch washomogeneous, and cooled to about 30° C. before the addition of thealcohol phase (from Step B).

In Step B (the alcohol phase), in a second suitable beaker, ethanol,thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, mint flavor andpoloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

In Step C (the surfactant blend), in a third suitable beaker, deionizedwater and sodium lauryl sulfate were combined, and mixed until visuallyclear to unaided eye.

In the final step, the contents of the second beaker (from Step B) wereadded to the main beaker (of Step A) and mixed until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the third beaker (of Step C) were added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 2 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 2-1 2-2 Ingredient w/w % w/w% Deionized Water 55.2906 55.5706 Citric acid 0.1000 0.01000 Sorbitolsolution 20.0000 20.0000 Sodium Saccharin 0.1170 0.1170 Silica 5.00004.0000 Keltrol CG-T Xanthan gum 0.3000 — P TIC Xanthan gum — 0.3000Ethyl alcohol 18.3030 18.3030 Menthol 0.0323 0.0323 Thymol 0.0639 0.0639Methyl salicylate 0.0660 0.0660 Eucalyptol 0.0922 0.0922 Mint Flavor0.0850 0.0850 FD&C Green — 0.0100 N-Propanol — 0.5000 Polaxamer 4070.2500 0.2500 Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.3000 0.6000 TOTAL 100.0000100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 2 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, using a first suitable beaker (herein afterreferring to it as the main beaker), a quantity of deionized water wasadded to the main beaker, sprinkle in the citric acid and mixed until itdissolved. A Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc.East Longmeadow, Mass.) was used to disperse the gums by sprinkling themin slowly, and mixed for 5 to 10 minutes. Once gums were dispersed, themixer was switched to a Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario,Canada), and mixing continued. Sorbitol and saccharin sodium were added,and the solution was mixed well until homogeneous. Then, the silica wasadded and mixed well until it was uniformly distributed.

In Step B (the alcohol phase), in a second suitable beaker, ethanol,n-propanol, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, mint flavorand Poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed well until homogeneous.

In Step C (the surfactant blend), in a third suitable beaker, deionizedwater and sodium lauryl sulfate, were combined and mixed until themixture was visually clear to the unaided eye.

In the final step, the contents of the second beaker (from Step B) wereadded to the main beaker (of Step A) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the third beaker (of Step C) were added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 3 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 3-1 3-2 Ingredient w/w % w/w% Deionized Water 52.3541 48.7400 Disodium EDTA 0.3000 0.3000 SodiumFluoride 0.1878 0.1878 Avicel CL-611 microcrystalline cellulose/ 1.00000.7000 carboxy methylcellulose sodium 1% Solution Keltrol CG-T Xanthangum 10.0000 15.0000 Carrageenan 0.0500 0.0500 Sorbitol solution 20.000020.0000 Sucralose solution 0.1200 0.1200 Sodium Saccharin 0.1170 0.1170Silica 5.0000 5.0000 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 0.8000 0.8000 Laurylglucoside 0.8000 0.8000 Cocamidopropyl betaine 0.4000 0.4000 Ethylalcohol 8.4211 6.5264 Polaxamer 407 — 0.2500 Menthol — 0.0646 Thymol —0.1278 Methyl salicylate — 0.1320 Eucalyptol — 0.1844 Mint Flavor 0.45000.5000 TOTAL 100.0000 100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrice of Table 3 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, the disodium EDTA, sodium fluoride,cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and deionized waterwere mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

In Step B, xanthan gum, in the form of a powder, was added to deionizedwater in a second beaker to create a 1% solution. Mixing was performedin a Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.) until all solids were dissolved.

In Step C, the deionized water was added to a third beaker. Using theSilverson L4RT high shear mixer, the carrageenan was dispersed in thewater by sprinkling it in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. TheAvicel CL-611 microcrystalline cellulose/sodium carboxy methylcellulosewas sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer continued tooperate until the mixture was homogeneous. The mixer was switched toCaframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixingcontinued. sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added, and thesolution was mixed well until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside wasmelted, and added to the batch, and mixing was continued untilhomogeneous. The xanthan gum solution (Step B, second beaker) was addedto the batch, and mixing continued until homogenous. Then, the silicawas added and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

In Step D (the alcohol phase), in a fourth beaker, ethanol and mintflavor, or ethanol, mint flavor, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate,eucalyptol, and Poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed untilhomogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the fourth beaker (from Step D) wereadded to the third beaker (of Step C) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 4 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 4-1 Ingredient w/w %Deionized Water 75.1995 Sodium Saccharin 0.1000 Sodium Fluoride 0.0500Glycerine 10.0000 Methylparaben 0.2000 Montmorillonite clay 3.5000Silica 10.0000 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.5000 Dye 0.0005 Mint Flavor0.4500 TOTAL 100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 4 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, the sodium saccharin, sodium fluoride, anddeionized water were mixed in a first beaker until all solids weredissolved.

In Step B, the glycerine was added to a second beaker, and mixingstarted. Methylparaben was added, and the solution was mixed untilhomogeneous. Then the montmorillonite clay was added to the batch, andmixing continued until homogeneous. The contents of the first beaker(Step A) were added to the batch of second beaker, and mixing continueduntil homogeneous. Then, the silica was added to the second beaker andmixed until the batch was homogeneous. Finally, the sodium laurylsulfate, flavor, and dye were sequentially added to the second beakerand mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 5 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 5-1 Ingredient w/w %Deionized Water 62.0366 Disodium EDTA 0.3000 Sodium Fluoride 0.0500Acryate copolymer 3.3500 Carrageenan 0.0500 Sorbitol solution 20.0000Sucralose solution 0.1200 Sodium Saccharin 0.1170 Silica 5.0000 SodiumLauroyl Sarcosinate 0.8000 Lauryl glucoside 0.8000 Cocamidopropylbetaine 0.4000 Ethyl alcohol 6.5264 Mint Flavor 0.4500 TOTAL 100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 5 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, the disodium EDTA, sodium fluoride,cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and deionized waterwere mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using aSilverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.), the carrageenan was dispersed in the water bysprinkling them in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. The mixer wasswitched to Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) andmixing continued. The acryate copolymer was added, and the solution wasmixed until homogeneous. Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose wereadded, and the solution was mixed until homogenous. The lauryl glucosidewas melted, and added to the batch, and mixing was continued untilhomogeneous. Then, the silica was added to the second beaker and mixeduntil the batch was homogeneous.

In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mintflavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C) wereadded to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were added to thesecond beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 6 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 6-1 Ingredient w/w %Deionized Water 54.3806 Citric Acid 0.0100 Sorbitol solution 20.0000Sodium Saccharin 0.1170 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 1.0000 Silica5.0000 Ethyl alcohol 18.3030 Polaxamer 407 0.2500 Menthol 0.0323 Thymol0.0639 Methyl salicylate 0.0660 Eucalyptol 0.0922 Mint Flavor 0.0850Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.6000 TOTAL 100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 6 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, the sodium lauryl sulfate and deionizedwater were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using aSilverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.), the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was dispersed inthe water by sprinkling them in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous.Sorbitol and sodium saccharin were added, and the solution was mixedwell until homogeneous. Then, the silica was added the second beaker andmixed until the batch was homogeneous.

In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol, mint flavor,thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, and Poloxamer 407 werecombined, and mixed until homogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C) wereadded to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogenous.

TABLE 7 Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 7-1 7-2 7-3 Ingredient w/w %w/w % w/w % Deionized Water 6218 62.23 62.5157 Sorbitol (70% Solution)20.0000 20.0000 20.0000 High acyl gellan gum 0.1000 0.1000 0.0500Carrageenan 0.05 — — Hydroxypropyl — — 0.0500 methylcellulose K100MMicrocrystalline cellulose — — 1.0000 Ethyl alcohol (200 proof) 10.00010.0000 10.0000 35% Hydrogen Peroxide — — 5.7143 solution Hydratedsilica 5.0000 5.0000 5.0000 Sodium lauryl sarcosinate 0.8000 0.80000.4000 Lauyrl Glucoside 0.8000 0.8000 0.4000 Cocamidopropyl betaine0.4000 0.4000 0.2000 Sucralose Solution 0.1200 0.1200 0.1200 SodiumSaccharin 0.1000 0.1000 0.1000 Flavor - Mint 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 TOTAL100.0000 100.0000 100.0000

The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 7 were prepared according to thefollowing steps. In Step A, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropylbetaine, and deionized water were mixed in a first beaker until allsolids were dissolved.

In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using aSilverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.), the gellan/carrageenan/celluloses were sprinkled in,and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer continued to operate until themixture was homogeneous. The mixer was switched to Caframo mixer(Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixing continued.Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added, and the solutionwas mixed well until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside was melted, andadded to the batch, and mixing was continued until homogeneous. Then,the silica was added and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mintflavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C) wereadded to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) and the hydrogenperoxide solution (Formulation 7-3) were added to the main beaker andmixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 8 Inventive Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 8-1 8-2 8-3 8.4 8.58.6 Ingredient w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % Deionized Water57.3044  63.0187  63.1300  58.1687  58.8237  58.8237  Sorbitol (70%Solution) 20.0000  20.0000  20.0000  20.0000  20.0000  20.0000  Highacyl gellan gum 0.1500 0.1500 0.1500 — — — Iota Carrageenan — — 0.0500 —— — 35% Hydrogen Peroxide 5.7143 — — — — — solution Ethyl alcohol (200proof) 10.000  10.0000  10.0000  10.0000  10.0000  10.0000  Hydratedsilica 5.0000 5.0000 5.0000 — — — Sodium lauryl sarcosinate 0.40000.4000 0.4000 0.4000 — — Lauryl Glucoside 0.4000 0.4000 0.4000 0.4000 —0.2750 Cocamidopropyl betaine 0.2000 0.2000 0.2000 0.2000 — 0.7400Sodium trideceth sulfate — — — — 1.3300 — PEG-80 sorbitan laurate — — —— 0.2750 — Sodium — — — — 0.7400 — lauroamphoacetate Sodium methylcocoyl — — — — — 1.3300 taurate Sodium Fluoride 0.1613 0.1613 0.16130.1613 0.1613 0.1613 Sucralose Solution 0.1200 0.1200 0.1200 0.12000.1200 0.1200 Sodium Saccharin 0.1000 0.1000 0.1000 0.1000 0.1000 0.1000Flavor 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 TOTAL 100.0000 100.0000  100.0000  100.0000  100.0000  100.0000 

The inventive liquid gel dentifrices of Table 8 were prepared accordingto the following steps. In Step A, the surfactant or surfactantcombinations (using the sodium lauryl sarcosinate, cocamidopropylbetaine, sodium trideceth sulfate, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, and/orsodium methyl cocoyl taurate as listed in Table 8), sodium fluoride, anddeionized water were mixed in a first beaker until all solids weredissolved.

In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using aSilverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.), the gellan and/or carrageenan (if required by theformulation in Table 8) were sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT highshear mixer continued to operate until the mixture was homogeneous. Themixer was switched to Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario,Canada) and mixing continued. Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralosewere added, and the solution was mixed well until homogeneous. Thelauryl glucoside (if required by the formulation in Table 8) was melted,and added to the batch, and mixing was continued until homogeneous.Then, the silica (if required by the formulation in Table 8) was addedand mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mintflavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C) wereadded to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) and the hydrogenperoxide solution (as in the case of Formulation 8-1) were added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

TABLE 9 Comparative Liquid Gel Dentifrices Formulation 9-1 9-2 9-3Ingredient w/w % w/w % w/w % Deionized Water 58.5687 53.4187 53.3687Sorbitol (70% 20.0000 20.0000 20.0000 Solution) High acyl gellan gum —0.15 0.15 Iota Carrageenan — — 0.05 Ethyl alcohol 10.0000 10.000010.0000 (200 proof) Hydrated silica — 5.000 5.000 Sodium lauryl sulfate0.6000 0.6000 0.6000 Sodium Fluoride 0.1613 0.1613 0.1613 SucraloseSolution 0.1200 0.1200 0.1200 Sodium Saccharin 0.1000 0.1000 0.1000Flavor 0.4500 0.4500 0.4500 TOTAL 100.0000 100.0000 100.0000

The comparative liquid gel dentifrices of Table 9 were preparedaccording to the following steps. In Step A, the sodium lauryl sulfate,sodium fluoride, and deionized water were mixed in a first beaker untilall solids were dissolved.

In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using aSilverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.), the gellan and/or carrageenan (if required by theformulation in Table 9) were sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT highshear mixer continued to operate until the mixture was homogeneous. Themixer was switched to Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario,Canada) and mixing continued. Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralosewere added, and the solution was mixed well until homogeneous. Then, thesilica (if required by the formulation in Table 9) was added and mixeduntil the batch was homogeneous.

In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mintflavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C) wereadded to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) was added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

The list of ingredients, and their trade names and sources, are shown onTable 10.

TABLE 10 Ingredients list. Ingredient Trade Name Source Acrylatecopolymer Aqua SF-1 (30%) Lubrizol Corp. Carrageenan Genuvisco TPC-1 CPKelco Citric acid Citric acid anhydrous DSM Nutritional Products IncCocamidopropyl betaine Tegobetaine CKD Degussa Deionized Water NAIn-house Disodium EDTA Disodium EDTA Cognis Corporation Dye FD&C Green#3 Sensient Colors Ethyl alcohol Alcohol USP 195 proof Pharmco ProductsEthyl alcohol Alcohol USP 200 proof Pharmco Products Ethyl alcoholAlcohol USP 195 proof Pharmco Products Eucalyptol Eucalyptol Ungerer andCompany Flavor - Mint N&A SNO Mint 11397 Firmenich Flavor - Mint N&AWintergreen Mint Firmenich 539274T Flavor - Peppermint N&A PeppermintTingle Firmenich 539314T Glycerin Glycerin Cognis Corporation High acylgellan gum Kelcogel CG-HA CP Kelco Hydrated silica Zeodent 113 J. M.Huber Corporation Hydrated silica/TiO2 Sylodent 750 Grace DavisonHydrogen Peroxide (35% Peralkali Degussa solution) HydroxypropylMethocel K100M Dow Chemical methylcellulose K100M Hydroxypropyl Methocel40-202 PCG Dow Chemical methylcellulose Lauryl glucoside Plantaren 1200N UP Cognis Corp. Low acyl gellen gum Kelcogel CG-LA CP Kelco MentholL-Menthol, nat. Polarome USP/FCC International Methylparaben Nipagin MMallinckrodt Baker Inc. Methyl salicylate Methyl salicylate NF RhodiaInc. Microcrystalline Avicel CL-611 FMC Corporation cellulose/carboxymethylcellulose sodium Montmorillonite clay Gelwhite H Southern ClayInc. N-Propanol N-Propanol Penta Manufacturing Company Polaxamer 407Pluronic F-127 BASF Corporation Sodium Fluoride Sodium Fluoride PowderMallinckrodt Baker Inc. Sodium lauroyl Hamposyl L-95 Chattem sarcosinateChemicals, Inc. Sodium lauryl sulfate Emicol LZ N Huntsman Sodium laurylsulfate Stepanol WA Stepan Company Sodium saccharin Saccharin Sodium PMCSpecialties Granular, USP Group Sodium saccharin Syncal GS PMCSpecialties Sorbitol Sorbitol solution (70%), SPI Polyols, Inc. USPSucralose Sucralose solution (25%) McNeil Thymol Thymol Symrise Xanthangum Keltrol CG-T Monsanto Company Xanthan gum P TIC pre-hydrated TICGums rapid - 3 powder

Example 2

Rheology Testing

Formulations described in Example 1 were tested for their rheologicalproperties. The same instrumentation was used for both the oscillatoryand steady shear measurements. The instrument used was a straincontrolled oscillatory rheometer (model RFSII, TA Instruments, NewCastle, Del.). Couette and parallel plate geometries were used in all ofthe testing.

Steady shear viscosity was measured to probe the time dependence andpseudoplasticity of the samples over a broad range of shear rates from0.02/s to 100/s. These measurements were intended to cover the range ofconsumer use at both room temperature and body temperature, such asphysical appearance, pourability, and tooth swishing. Measurements weremade at 0.02, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, 25, 50 and 100 s⁻¹ for all samples.

For the dynamic oscillatory measurements, the strain sweeps werecompleted at a frequency of 10 radians/s to determine the viscoelasticregion and the frequencies were done in the linear region or near at astrain of 0.02 at RT. The estimation of stability was based on thestrength of the gel network. If there was no relaxation, and tan(delta)<1.0, stability was deemed to be good.

Table 11 shows the results of viscosity and tan delta values for variousformulations.

TABLE 11 Viscosity (shear rates 10/s and 100/s) and Tan delta(frequencies 0.1 and 100 radians/s). Tan Viscosity Viscosity Tan deltaat Formu- at 10/s at 100/s delta at 100 lation Comment (cP) (cP) 0.1rad/s rad/s 1-1  0.1% gellan 672 68 0.21 0.44 1-2 0.05% gellan, 258 440.38 0.49 0.03% Keltrol Xanthan 1-3 0.05% gellan 242 32 0.30 0.38 2-1 0.3% Keltrol 525 102 0.69 0.02 Xanthan 2-2  0.3% TIC 1.05 0.34 Xanthan3-1   1% Avicel 391 86 0.60 0.44 611, 0.1% Keltrol Xanthan 3-2  0.7%Avicel 382 80 0.68 0.43 611, 0.15% Keltrol Xanthan 4-1 Montmorillonite172 42 0.62 0.40 Clay 5-1 Acrylate 89 54 4.15 0.82 Copolymer 6-1   1%26.01 1.00 HPMC

The table shows that formulations 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2, and 4-1all met the tan delta criteria of less than 1.0 at frequencies 0.1 to100 rads⁻¹, and additionally meet the viscosity criteria at a shear rateof 10 s⁻¹ of less than 700 centipoise, and the viscosity criteria at ashear rate of 100 s⁻¹ of less than 150 centipoise. Formulation 4-1contained clay.

Example 3

Stability Testing

All formulations from Example 1 were checked initially and, if noobvious visible (to the unaided eye) signs of sedimentation hadoccurred, at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, with the following parametersmeasured each time:

1) Appearance

2) taste

3) viscosity

4) sedimentation

5) pH

Formulations 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2 all had no obvious visible (tothe unaided eye) signs of sedimentation at 1 month, 2 months, and 3months. Formulations 5-1 and 6-1, each having tan delta values greaterthan 1 at 0.1 rads, showed visible (to the unaided eye) sedimentation.

Example 4

Consumer Trial

Formulations from Example 1, Table 7 were used in a small (30 person)consumer trial to compare foaming characteristics of the formulations.Each participant evaluated the three formulations in randomized order.The instructions were to rinse 15 ml of each formulation for 45 seconds,expectorate, and brush with a toothbrush for 1 minute. The participantswere asked to wait a minimum of 3 hours between evaluations.

For each formulation, participants were asked to comment on the “Foamconsistency” during the late stage of the rinse step, and the “Amount offoam” during the toothbrush step. The possible comments for “Foamconsistency” were “Too thick”, “Too thin”, or “Just about right”. Thepossible comments for “Amount of foam” were “Too much”, “Too little”, or“Just about right”.

Formulation 7-1 used gellan and carrageenan as suspending agents.Formulation 7-2 used only gellan as a suspending agent. Formulation 7-3used gellan and hydroxypropyl cellulose as suspending agents, andcontained hydrogen peroxide as a gas generator.

During the late stage of the rinse step, formulation 7-2 was found to besuperior for “Foam consistency”, while formulation 7-1 was found to besuperior for the “Amount of foam”. During brushing, formulations 7-1 and7-2 were found to be superior for “Foam consistency”, while formulation7-1 was found to be superior for the “Amount of foam”.

Example 5

Foam Characteristics Analysis

The distribution of bubble size was determined for formulations fromExample 1, Table 8. The foam generating and analysis method used is thefoam generation and screening test described above which was designed togenerate and measure the diameter of foam bubbles for variousformulations such as liquid dentifrice formulas, body wash preparations,shampoos, facial cleansers and other cosmetic product forms that producefoam or lather.

Equipment List

-   -   1. Olympus Optical Microscope, Model BX-51 with Discover Details        5 Image Analysis software    -   2. Oster 14-speed blender (model number 6855)    -   3. Artificial saliva    -   4. Microscope slides    -   5. Beaker    -   6. Spatula    -   7. 0.0.625 mm PET (polyethylene terephthalate) spacer (shim        stock material)

Procedure:

A mixture was prepared by adding the appropriate amount of each of theformulations in Example 1, Table 8 to the artificial saliva to achieve80% of formulation in the mixture, the artificial saliva having thefollowing constituents:

Sodium Chloride 1.2236 gm Potassium Chloride 1.215 gm Calcium Chloride0.3178 gm Potassium Phosphate 2.7532 gm Monobasic Potassium PhosphateDibasic 3.5053 gm Deionized Water 2000 mlThe mixture was mixed until uniform.

The mixture was placed into the Oster 14-speed (model #6855) Blender andblended for 10 seconds at a speed setting of one (1). A 0.005 gramsample of the foam from the surface of the mixture inside the blenderwas removed using a spatula.

The 0.005 gram foam sample was placed on a 25 mm×75 mm glass slidehaving two 0.634 mm PET spacers positioned on each corner of the slide.A second slide was placed onto the first slide and spaced by the PETspacers ensuring that there was a monolayer of foam between the twoslides.

The slide was mounted on the Olympus optical microscope (model BX-51with Discover Details 5 Image Analysis software stage), adjusting themicroscope to reflectance mode and capturing the image using the 5×objective and then analyzed. The results are summarized in Table 12.

Formulation 8-1 used gellan as the suspending agent, and containedhydrogen peroxide as a gas generator. Formulation 8-2 used only gellanas the suspending agent. Formulation 8-3 used gellan and carrageenan asthe suspending agents.

TABLE 12 Bubble size distribution per 0.005 gm of foam for eachinventive formulation in Table 8. Formulation 8-1 8-2 8-3 8.4 8.5 8.6Size range Number Number Number Number Number Number    0-10 μm 300 100275 125 75 105  10.01-50 μm 217 50 220 40 20 27  50.01-100 μm 2 2 3 3 23 100.01-700 μm 1 1 2 2 1 2 700.01-2100 μm 0 0 0 0 0 0 Percentage of99.42% 98.03% 99% 97.05% 96.94% 94.89% bubbles < 50 μm

TABLE 13 Bubble size distribution per 0.005 gm of foam for eachcomparative formulation in Table 9. Formulation 9-1 9-2 9-3 Size rangeNumber Number Number     0-10 μm 2 40 65   10.01-50 μm 23 60 100 50.01-100 μm 35 150 200  100.01-700 μm 5 0 0 700.01-2100 μm 0 0 0Percentage of bubbles <50 μm 38.46% 40.00% 45.20%

All foams generated using the inventive formulations comprisingsurfactant systems of the present invention had a bubble sizedistribution such that each 0.005 grams of foam had at least 80 bubbleshaving a diameter of less than 5 μm. Foams generated using the using theinventive formulations comprising the surfactant systems of the presentinvention in combination with the foam enhancing agents of the presentinvention, but without incorporating (or free of) a gas generating agent(or material) had a bubble size distribution such that each 0.005 gramsof foam had at least 250 bubbles having a diameter of less than 5 μm.This bubble size distribution was surprising similar to the bubble sizedistribution of about 300 bubbles having a diameter of less than 5 μmper 0.005 grams of foam exhibited by the hydrogen peroxide (or, gasgenerating agent) containing formulation 8.1.

Foams generated using the comparative formulations 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3,comprising sodium lauryl sulfate had a bubble size distribution suchthat each 0.005 grams of foam had at least 25 bubbles having a diameterof less than 5 μm. Foams generated using the using the comparativeformulations comprising the surfactant systems of the present inventionin combination with the foam enhancing agents of the present invention,but without incorporating (or free of) a gas generating agent (ormaterial) exhibited a bubble size distribution such that each 0.005grams of foam had at least 100 bubbles having a diameter of less than 5μm. When occupying a an area of 25 mm×75 mm×1.270 mm, however, the 0.005gram foam samples of the comparative formulations did notcorrespondingly provide a bubble size distribution such that at least90% of the bubbles had a diameter of less than about 50 microns.

Example 6

The oral care compositions of the present invention can also be formedin gel mouth rinses. An example of a gel mouth rinse is provided inTable 14.

TABLE 14 Gel Mouth rinse Ingredient w/w % Deionized Water 66.6255Disodium EDTA 0.3000 Sodium Fluoride 0.1878 Alcohol 8.4211 Avicel CL-6110.7000 Xanthan Gum 0.1500 Carrageenan 0.0500 Sorbitol 20.0000 Sucralose0.1200 Sodium Saccharin 0.1170 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 0.8000Cocamidopropyl Betaine 0.4000 Lauryl Glucoside 0.8000 Agar, Vitamin EActate, Pigment 0.0500 Poloxamer 407 0.2500 Menthol 0.0840 Thymol 0.1278Methyl Salicylate 0.1320 Eucalyptol 0.1844 Flavor 0.5000 Color 0.0004Total 100.0000

The gel mouth rinse of Table 14 was prepared according to the followingsteps. In Step A, the disodium EDTA, sodium fluoride, cocamidopropylbetaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and deionized water were mixed in afirst beaker until all solids were dissolved.

In Step B, xanthan gum, in the form of a powder, was added to deionizedwater in a second beaker to create a 1% solution. Mixing was performedin a Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. EastLongmeadow, Mass.) until all solids were dissolved.

In Step C, deionized water was added to a third beaker. Using theSilverson L4RT high shear mixer, the carrageenan was dispersed in thewater by sprinkling them in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. TheAvicel CL-611 microcrystalline cellulose/sodium carboxy methylcellulosewas sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer continued tooperate until the mixture was homogeneous. The mixer was switched toCaframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixingcontinued. sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added, and thesolution was mixed well until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside wasmelted, and added to the batch, and mixing was continued untilhomogeneous. The xanthan gum solution (Step B, second beaker) was addedto the batch, and mixing continued until homogenous. Then, the agar,vitamin E actate, pigment was added and mixed until the batch washomogeneous.

In Step D (the alcohol phase), in a fourth beaker, ethanol and mintflavor, or ethanol, mint flavor, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate,eucalyptol, and Poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed untilhomogeneous.

In the final step, the contents of the fourth beaker (from Step D) wereadded to the third beaker (of Step C) and mixed well until homogenous.Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were added to themain beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral composition comprising: a surfactantsystem, comprising : i. at least one alkyl polyglucoside surfactant; ii.at least one anionic surfactant; and iii. at least one amphotericsurfactant; at least one suspending agent selected from the groupconsisting of high acyl gellan gum and microcrystalline cellulose; andan orally acceptable liquid carrier, wherein the composition has a pH offrom about 4.0 to 8.0 and contains less than 0.01% of bioavailabilityaffecting compounds selected from the group consisting of chemicallyunmodified clays, water soluble calcium salts, water soluble magnesiumsalts, water soluble aluminum salts, carbonate salts and mixturesthereof, and wherein said composition has a first viscosity of less than2000 centipoise at a shear rate of 10s⁻¹.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein foams generated by the composition using a foam generation andscreening test have a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005grams of foam, at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less thanabout 50 microns.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the bubble sizedistribution is such that at least about 125 bubbles have a diameter ofless than about 50 microns.
 4. The composition of claim 1, furthercomprising a foam enhancing agent.
 5. The composition of claim 4,wherein the foam enhancing agent is selected from the group consistingof natural seaweed extract, natural seed gum, natural plant exudates,natural plant extracts, natural fiber extracts, biosynthetic gums,gelatins, biosynthetic process starch or cellulosic materials,alginates, carrageenans, guar, locust, tara, arabic gum, ghatti gum,agar gum, pectin, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 5, wherein the foam enhancing agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of alginates, carrageenans, salts thereof andmixtures thereof.
 7. The composition of claim 5, wherein the foamenhancing agent is carrageenan.
 8. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting ofsarcosine surfactants; taurates; alkyl sulfates; sodium laurylsulfoacetate; sodium lauroyl isethionate; sodium laureth carboxylate;sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof.
 9. The compositionof claim 8, wherein the anionic surfactant is a sarcosine surfactant.10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the amphoteric surfactant isselected from the group consisting of alkylimino-diproprionates,alkylamphoglycinates (mono or di), alkylamphoproprionates (mono or di),alkylamphoacetates (mono or di), N-alkyl β-aminoproprionic acids,alkylpolyamino carboxylates, phosphorylated imidazolines, alkylbetaines, alkylamido betaines, alkylamidopropyl betaines, alkylsultaines, alkylamido sultaines, and mixtures thereof.
 11. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is analkylamidopropyl betaine.
 12. The composition of claim 1 wherein thecomposition further has the following physical properties: i. a tandelta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads⁻¹; and ii. asecond viscosity of less than about 1000 centipoise at a shear rate of100s⁻¹ and wherein foams generated by the composition using a foamgeneration and screening test have a bubble size distribution such thatfor each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of 25mm×75mm×1.270mm,at least 90% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 microns. 13.The composition of claim 12, further comprising an insolubleparticulate.
 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the insolubleparticulate is a dentally acceptable abrasive.
 15. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein said surfactant system comprises at least one alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, at least one anionic surfactant selected fromthe group consisting of sarcosine surfactants; taurates; alkyl sulfates;sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; sodium lauroyl isethionate; sodium laurethcarboxylate; sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof; andat least one alkylamidopropyl betaine.
 16. The composition of claim 5wherein said surfactant system comprises at least one alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, at least one anionic surfactant selected fromthe group consisting of sarcosine surfactants; taurates; alkyl sulfates;sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; sodium lauroyl isethionate; sodium laurethcarboxylate; sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof; andat least one alkylamidopropyl betaine.
 17. The composition of claim 12wherein said surfactant system comprises at least one alkylpolyglucoside surfactant, at least one anionic surfactant selected fromthe group consisting of sarcosine surfactants; taurates; alkyl sulfates;sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; sodium lauroyl isethionate; sodium laurethcarboxylate; sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof; andat least one alkylamidopropyl betaine and said composition furthercomprises a foam enhancing agent selected from the group consisting ofnatural seaweed extract, natural seed gum, natural plant exudates,natural plant extracts, natural fiber extracts, biosynthetic gums,gelatins, biosynthetic process starch or cellulosic materials,alginates, carrageenans, guar, locust, tara, arabic gum, ghatti gum,agar gum, pectin, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.
 18. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said surfactant system is present in anamount of from about 0.2% to about 2.5% by weight of the composition.19. The composition of claim 15 wherein said surfactant system ispresent in an amount of from about 0.2% to about 2.5% by weight of thecomposition.
 20. The composition of claim 19 wherein said compositioncomprises from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition ofsaid suspending agent.